The definitions provided advance our understanding of diagnostic disclosure with implications for practice and future research. A clearly defined concept sets the foundation to measure, predict, and investigate diagnostic disclosure further. This analysis identifies diagnostic disclosure as critical to patient-centered care, with potential to improve communication, enhance self-care, and prevent rehospitalization. Future efforts should focus on testing the operational definition, evaluating effects on patient outcomes, and surveying patients, caregivers, and clinicians to inform clinical integration.
Pitcher et al. (2026) studied this question.